Gnollmarket

There are few locations in the Twin Worlds with a reputation as sinister as that of the Gnollmarket. With the field of impaled skulls surrounding it, and the terrible slave pens within, this reputation is well-earned.

Demographics

As the name implies, the Gnollmarket is operated by gnolls. This is not a permanent settlement for them, as a pack will simply come here to sell whatever loot and slaves they took on their raids and leave. Several hundred are usually here at a time, but this varies.
Others of ill repute also frequently come here to buy and sell. A majority of these people are hobgoblins, but humans, bugbears, and even fiends are known to come as well.
With the main purpose of the market being the buying and selling of slaves, the Gnollmarket always has dozens or even hundreds of captives. Most of these are taken from the local population, and are therefore human, however more exotic individuals such as tieflings can be found here, as well. Many of these captives, especially gnomes and halflings are eaten instead of sold.

Government

As the gnolls of Amaun are extremely chaotic creatures, the Gnollmarket has no true government. The gnolls are the ones who keep the peace, such as it is. As such, any who cause problems are eaten or thrown in the slave pens.
On the other hand, the gnolls have a very inconsistent definition of what "causing problems" actually means. Violence is, for the most part, considered little more than a diversion. Sometimes, though, the gnolls simply take anyone they feel like for no reason. These things combine to make the Gnollmarket an especially dangerous place.

Defences

The entire Gnollmarket is surrounded by a simple, makeshift palisade. This is very poorly constructed, but serves as an effective barrier against all but the most dedicated of attackers.
The primary defense of this place is its inhabitants. A veritable army of the most bloodthirsty of gnolls are camped here, and it's not uncommon to find at least one legion of hobgoblins here as well. Many bandit gangs also frequent the area.
Even this is the least of the least of the risks involved. Occasionally, much more powerful beings also serve as customers of the Gnollmarket's vile trade. These creatures can include fiends, liches, and powerful evil wizards. This makes attacking the place a major gamble, at the best of times.

Industry & Trade

There's one major trade that puts the Gnollmarket on the map: the slave trade. Captured people of all kinds come here in chains, and are auctioned to the highest bidder for any number of nefarious purposes.
With so many people of ill repute gathered in a single place, the sale of less lively goods are also common. Much of this trade is in items that are either monstrously immoral or dangerously illegal. Included in this trade are an array of poisons found nowhere else, and reagents for the blackest of magics.

Infrastructure

Over time as the Gnollmarket grew, more and more infrastructure was added until the location grew into something akin to a true town. One can find many mundane services here, such as an inn, tavern, or blacksmith.
One of the first things constructed was the fighting pit. A ten-foot deep hole was dug into the ground surrounded by wooden planks to serve as an arena. This is the primary tool used to solve disputes, and slaves are often killed here for the amusement of the gnolls.
The location was originally a human town built around a well. This well still serves to provide water for those that live within. Humans and hobgoblins that operate here have even created a massive underground latrine. Those who are meant to disappear without the knowledge of the gnolls are often disposed of here.

History

The original Gnollmarket was created over the site of a Tamasian village. The name of this community was lost to history when it was invaded by gnolls. They ate or enslaved the townspeople, but didn't move on, as they normally do.
This town quickly became a place where gnolls gather, and even grew. The slave trade that based itself there was a natural result of the raiders that made their home there. The place quickly grew in both size and danger.
Every now and then adventurers would go there, often to rescue captives taken as slaves. Failure was common, with most being killed or enslaved, themselves. Some, however did succeed in rescuing slaves captured there, most notably when Eldain Mal'atre rescued his friend, Talm Six-String.
Eventually, Eldain returned to the Gnollmarket, but gone was the subtle infiltration he employed before. He came as a destroyer, and leveled it to the ground. The Gnollmarket was rebuilt quickly, in the end accomplishing nothing.

Architecture

The Gnollmarket is made up of scavenged timber, as such is very ramshackle in construction. Most buildings have been reinforced again and again to prevent collapse. Despite this, such collapses are rare.

Type

Trade post

Population

approx. 1000 (excluding captives)

Location under

Grass Sea